St. John Chrysostom

Also known as
Greatest of the Greek Fathers
Golden-Mouth
Giovanni Crisostomo

Profile
John's father died when he was young, and he was raised by a very pius mother. Well educated; studied rhetoric under Libanius, one of the most famous orators of his day. Monk. Preacher and priest for a dozen years in Syria. While there he developed a stomach ailment that troubled him the rest of his life.

It was for his sermons that John earned the title "Chrysostom" (golden mouthed). They were always on point, they explained the Scriptures with clarity, and they sometimes went on for hours. Made a reluctant bishop of Constantinople in 398, a move that involved him in imperial politics. Criticized the rich for not sharing their wealth, fought to reform the clergy, prevented the sale of ecclesiastical offices, called for fidelity in marriage, encouraged practices of justice and charity.

Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople. Revised the Greek Liturgy. Greek Father of the Church. Proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 451.

John's sermons caused nobles and bishops to work to remove him from his diocese; twice exiled from his diocese. Banished to Pythius, and died on the way.